C.V. help

[chellie]

I need to do a new CV and haven't had to do one for 16 years. Any pointers? Has the expected format changed from the one I did then which was name, address, DOB, marital status then education, employment, hobbies.

Thanks

 

[fundy]

I was advised recently to use the following format:

Personal details (name, contact details etc)
Personal Statement - a paragraph about what youre looking for and what you have to offer
Skills - a brief summary of your main skills
Employment Details
Education
Hobbies & Interests
Referees

 

[chellie]

Thanks

 

[AmandaJR]

As Fundy says the Personal Statement is the more modern way and a good introduction as to your skills and usp. They're not easy to write so a good one can go a long way. A poor one and the rest of the CV might never be read..

 

[chellie]

Would it be worth paying to get one done? A local firm will do one for what I think is a reasonable price.

 

[AmandaJR]

Would it be worth paying to get one done? A local firm will do one for what I think is a reasonable price.

I don't see why not although you might find some good templates online for free. Once you have it in hand and up to date you can then just adapt it slightly if necessary depending on what skills you want to focus on.

 

[chellie]

I don't see why not although you might find some good templates online for free. Once you have it in hand and up to date you can then just adapt it slightly if necessary depending on what skills you want to focus on.

Thanks Amanda

 

[Tarkus1212]

You don't need to include your date of birth or marital status. I was advised not to include referees on my CV, put them in your covering letter if requested or just forget them altogether until they're asked for.

 

[Birchy]

Not worth paying to get one done imo.

Best thing to do is make sure you include a lot of key words that agencies search for on CV sites then sit back and let them bring the jobs to you

Job websites usually have lots of free tips etc.

 

[bluewolf]

Plenty of good online advice about the structure of a CV. The best piece of advice I can pass on is to remember that just because you've written a great personal statement, don't be afraid to tailor it for each individual position you apply for.

Print off the Job Advert and use the keywords that are listed in the advert in the personal statement. Quite often, the Employer will only read the Personal Statement and will stop reading if the Key Skills are not listed.

Also, if you are applying for jobs online through an agency, don't be afraid to ring the agent listed to discuss your application. If you build a relationship with the agent, they're more likely to forward your CV to the employer.. :thup:

 

[chellie]

You don't need to include your date of birth or marital status. I was advised not to include referees on my CV, put them in your covering letter if requested or just forget them altogether until they're asked for.

Not worth paying to get one done imo.

Best thing to do is make sure you include a lot of key words that agencies search for on CV sites then sit back and let them bring the jobs to you

Job websites usually have lots of free tips etc.

Plenty of good online advice about the structure of a CV. The best piece of advice I can pass on is to remember that just because you've written a great personal statement, don't be afraid to tailor it for each individual position you apply for.

Print off the Job Advert and use the keywords that are listed in the advert in the personal statement. Quite often, the Employer will only read the Personal Statement and will stop reading if the Key Skills are not listed.

Also, if you are applying for jobs online through an agency, don't be afraid to ring the agent listed to discuss your application. If you build a relationship with the agent, they're more likely to forward your CV to the employer.. :thup:

Thanks all. Will have a look online.